Nathaniel Hawthorne, (1804 - 1864), short story writer and novelist, was one of the foremost nineteenth century writers in America. "The Scarlet Letter" is his greatest work that was published in 1849. This book universally considered to be a literary classic. "The Scarlet Letter" is the story about Hestor Prynne, a woman who commits a sin and is filled with many feelings, including pride, surrounding that sin.
             "The Scarlet Letter" is set in seventeenth century New England, and Hawthorne successfully depicts the Puritanism that was found there. It was time when the church was the center of life in many New England towns. The church provided not only religions guidance but, was a place for social gathering and a chance for neighbors to keep in touch. This is shown in depth in Boston by Nathaniel Hawthorne. In each town the church became a leading force in the local government. The church could influence the courts to impose legal penalties on crimes against the Ten Commandments. Boston even held special Election Day sermons. These were then followed by a special procession given by the town for the "minister whom they so loved." Crimes such as adultery were violations of the commandments and carried significant civil penalties.
             The punishment received by Hester in the novel was based upon the Puritan religious, social, and governmental beliefs, structured into a single ideology, which was formed from their English experience and complete commitment to religion. The Church and the government, one in the same, sentenced Hester to a life of embarrassment. She is confined to wear an embroidered scarlet-colored "A" on her chest, to signify what she had done.
             Hawthorne attempts to give a genuine picture of the times by presenting a realistic setting and real puritanical philosophies. He also includes actual historical figures like Governor Bellingham, Governor Winthrop, Mr. Joh...